Yau Ma Tei Theatre

Built in 1930, the Yau Ma Tei Theatre is the only surviving pre-war cinema building in the urban area of Hong Kong. The theatre closed down in 1998 and was listed as a historic building in the same year.

In 2012, the building reprised its role as a place of entertainment when it reopened as a venue dedicated to Cantonese opera. Fans of the genre will be pleased to know that this intimate venue is favoured by younger up-and-coming performers. And, some of the shows come with English surtitles, so non-Cantonese speakers can also enjoy the action on stage.

The building’s restoration was faithful to the original, making it an ideal venue to enjoy the richness and colour of traditional Chinese theatre. Inside, the audience sits under the original wooden roof beams. The arch over the stage is also authentic.

The building is flanked by high-rise apartments on one side and a fruit market on the other. You can walk around it to take in its interesting exterior. Don’t miss the attractive red brick building on the opposite side of Shanghai Street, which houses the theatre’s administration offices. This 100-year old structure was the Engineer’s Office of the Former Pumping Station in Shanghai Street. After the pumping station ceased operation in 1911, different parts of this Water Department facility were demolished or converted for other purposes. The remaining structure was given a heritage listing in 2000.